Rising to the challenge: Experiences of International Students Studying at the University of Cape Coast

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Rising to the challenge: Experiences of International Students Studying at the University of Cape Coast

Juliana Audria Dankwa^1*, Dr. Mary Owusu Obimpeh^2
1Centre for International Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast.
²Directorate of human Resource, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast.
*Coresponding author

Abstract: Using the hierarchical constraints theory, this study explores the challenges of international students studying at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The data was collected and analyzed using the qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a purposive sample of twenty-four (24) international students. The majority of the student respondents indicated that they had challenges which were related to academic, accommodation, psychosocial, cultural and financial issues. It is recommended that there should be long term and short-term strategies to minimize all challenges that international students face.

Keywords: challenges, international, local, students, studying abroad

I. INTRODUCTION

Studying in overseas universities or college presents international students with exciting opportunities. However, with these opportunities come challenges that need to be overcome. According to Bista and Gaulee (2017), international students encounter a range of challenges in their first study period in a new country; they are expected to make transitions to new educational, cultural and social environments. Due to the increasing number of international students and their benefits concerning host institutions and host countries, considerable efforts and devotion to attract them has also emerged. The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is no exception to this quest for international students. Conscious efforts by the Centre for International Education (CIE) and the Directorate of Academic Affairs (DAA) are made annually to enrol international students. The reasons for the pursuit of international students are not far-fetched as they contribute to the diversity and internationalization of the classrooms, campus and the general community.
However, it seems less attention is paid to the challenges of international students in their journey as they study at UCC. Using the hierarchical constraints theory by Crawford, Jackson and Godbey (1991), this study takes a more comprehensive approach to look at some prevailing challenges that international students of UCC have to face as postgraduate, undergraduate or exchange students. Crawford et al.’s (1991) tripartite hierarchical constraints typology remains the most referred to by studies analyzing participation challenges. According to this model, there are three main categories of constraints, namely, intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural. Intrapersonal constraints are the individual

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